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Animal Caretakers Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$44,210
Median Annual Salary
▲
+16.4% vs 2024
$46,510
Mean Salary
$44,210
Median Salary
$21.25
Hourly Rate
460 people work as Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia
Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $44,210 per year ($3,684/month).
This is 31.9% above the national average of $33,529.
District of Columbia ranks #1 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 460 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
Salaries increased by 16.4% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.
Top Skills
Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Administrative
3.13
English Language
3.07
Education and Training
2.62
Administration and Management
2.54
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(63.5% of workers)
Salary Range: Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia range from $37,840 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $64,300 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,290 and $47,730.
Median $44,210
P10: $37,840P25: $38,290P75: $47,730P90: $64,300
10th
$37,840
25th
$38,290
Median
$44,210
75th
$47,730
90th
$64,300
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,840
$18.19
$3,153
25th Percentile
$38,290
$18.41
$3,190
Median (50th)
$44,210
$21.25
$3,684
75th Percentile
$47,730
$22.95
$3,977
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$64,300
$30.91
$5,358
Note: The mean (average) salary of $46,510 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#1
District of Columbia ranks #1 of 51 states
$33,529
National avg. for Animal Caretakers
+31.9%
vs. national average
Above Average
Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:
How much do Animal Caretakers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia is $44,210 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $46,510.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia range from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $64,300 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,290 and $47,730.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $37,840 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,290 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 460 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia is approximately $21.25 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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